Napa Valley, Calif. — Frances Blanton was admitted to Napa Valley Care Center for ongoing rehabilitation after suffering a fall and fracturing her pelvis. Frances was specifically sent to Napa Valley Care Center for rehabilitation from the fracture and for the licensed facility to provide skin care and preventative efforts to prevent from the horrors of pressure sores which so often develop in elderly and sedentary persons such as Frances. The lawsuit alleges that rather than providing the care for which Frances paid good money to Napa Valley Care Center, the facility failed to provide that care required by law and for which they were paid good and significant money. And as a result, Blanton developed multiple pressure sores, as well as suffered from malnourishment, dehydration and significant weight loss. Unfortunately, Blanton succumbed to her injuries and died within one month of being admitted to the facility.

“Based on what we’ve discovered, Frances’ horrific injuries would not have occurred had Napa Valley Care Center adhered to applicable rules, laws and regulations, as well as the acceptable standard of practice governing the operation of a skilled nursing facility,” said Attorney Stephen Garcia. “Unfortunately, it’s clear that the facility’s staff substantially ignored her needs and withheld required care so as to allow her to suffer multiple pressure sores, malnourishment and dehydration. As a result of the lack of care driven by a culture of putting profits over patients, the facility’s apparent neglect caused Frances extensive injuries that resulted in excruciating pain, and ultimately, her untimely death.”

Allegations and Background

Blanton was taken to Queen of the Valley Hospital in July 2015, after suffering a fall at home that fractured her pelvis. According to the lawsuit, she was admitted to Napa Valley Care Center in August 2015 for rehabilitation.

When the facility admitted Blanton, it’s alleged that the facility’s staff were fully aware that she was at risk of developing pressure ulcers, and required very specific and attentive care in order to prevent the formation of pressure sores, including repositioning her body every two hours, making sure she was clean and dry from feces, and ensuring proper hydration. However, as a result of Napa Valley Care Center’s alleged negligence, Blanton developed multiple pressure sores – the very injury the facility was supposed to prevent.

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